Minister for Sport Mark Arbib today encouraged more young people to play tennis for fun and fitness while attending a Tennis Australia MLC Hot Shots showcase at the Parliament House tennis courts.

Senator Arbib said Australia’s tennis future was in good hands with the program focussed on getting kids to participate.

“Hot Shots is a tremendous program that gives a kick start to Australian children who want to learn how to play tennis,” Minister Arbib said.

“It is a well-structured program that is presented in a friendly and fun environment that all kids can enjoy and also allows children to go on to play competitively.

“While Australians admire the heroics and endeavours of our current and former Australian tennis stars, it is really important that our future stars are nurtured.

“We have recently seen the tremendous success of the AIS/Tennis Australia junior development with Ashleigh Barty and Luke Saville winning the junior girls and junior boys’ titles at Wimbledon this year.

“I am confident we will continue to nurture and unearth stars as well as provide an enjoyable environment for children to learn the great game of tennis.”

The Australian Government provides almost $1.5 million annually to support Australian tennis, with $960,000 targeted towards increasing participation in the sport.

Tennis Australia CEO Steve Wood said Tennis Australia, through the support of the Australian Government, was working to grow tennis and making it more accessible.

“Tennis is truly the game for life. We have a significant focus on our kids’ starter program MLC Tennis Hot Shots and Cardio Tennis, a new tennis-fitness program, which will be launched in early 2012,” Mr Wood said.

“We would love to see every child with a racquet in their hand and adults rediscovering the joys of tennis through Cardio Tennis.”

Minister’s media contact: Alison Hill 0407 570 640 / 02 9364 2600